Soap bubble fountain

ABSTRACT

A soap bubble fountain includes a soap holder that contains a first portion of a soap and water mixture, a tubular column extending upward from the soap holder and whose lower end contains a second portion of the soap and water mixture, a catch basin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular column, and an air source arranged to inject air into second portion of the soap and water mixture, thereby creating soap bubbles. The soap bubbles are forced through the bubble openings in the upper end of the tubular column and are subsequently collected in the catch basin.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/968,104, filed Aug. 27, 2007, and U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/031,357, filed Feb. 26, 2008,the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and of othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records,but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of the Present Invention

The present invention generally relates to the use of soap bubbles forentertainment and aesthetic purposes, and, in particular, torecirculating soap bubble fountains that generate bubble sculptures thatchange or which may be sculpted by a user.

2. Background

Soap bubbles have fascinated people of all ages for centuries. Childrenhave long been entertained by “blowing bubbles” or by the bubbles foundin many soap and water mixtures. Scientists of studied the properties ofsoap bubbles, analyzing how surface tension creates near-perfectspherical objects with many interesting properties. More recently,nightclubs have drawn patrons by blowing soapy foam within or withouttheir establishments.

Over time, different devices have been created to enhance the soapbubble experience through the controlled creation and retention ofindividual soap bubbles or of soap bubble sculptures. Examples of thelatter may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 548,477 to Tacy (“Tacy”) and U.S.Pat. No. 710,814 to Steinhauser (“Steinhauser”), each of which disclosesa soap bubble fountain. In Tacy, the fountain utilizes a central uprighttube at the upper end of which is disposed a bowl containing a soapsolution and at the bottom end of which is arranged a catch-basin. Airis forced upward through the tube to the bottom of the bowl and into thesoap solution therein, creating bubbles that fill the bowl and overflow,eventually cascading downward to the catch-basin. Unfortunately, theplacement of the soap solution bowl at the top of the tube is quiteinconvenient and somewhat unsightly.

In Steinhauser, the bowl containing the soap solution has been removedto the bottom of a vertically-disposed tube. As with Tacy, air is forcedinto the bottom of this bowl, creating bubbles. The bubbles are forcedupward through the tube until they overflow the open top end, againcascading downward to a shallow pan. The resulting bubble sculpture wasbelieved to be useful, at least, as an advertising device.

Although presumably useful to some degree, the Steinhauser device stillsuffered from at least several shortcomings. First, the bubbles createdby the device were forced directly out the top of thevertically-disposed tube. In such an arrangement, the bubbles forced upthrough the tube tend to stack up on top of the tube, eventually makingit difficult for more bubbles to escape the top of the tube because ofthe weight and arrangement of the bubbles. It is also difficult tocontrol uniform distribution of the bubbles around the tube.

Further inefficiency in the creation of the bubbles results from theinjection of air directly into the bottom of the bowl at the bottom ofthe tube. To escape up the tube, bubbles must first escape the bowlitself, and are frequently and undesirably burst by the frothy oruniform liquid already in the bowl or by drops of liquid falling backinto the bowl from the collection pan. These effects make it moredifficult to get bubbles up the tube.

Additionally, the vertically-oriented tube set forth in Steinhauser hasa narrow opening at the top for emitting bubbles from the tube. Asmentioned above, the vertical orientation of the tube forces bubbles tostack up on top of the tube, thereby impeding the even distribution ofbubbles from the fountain. This difficulty is compounded by the factthat the tube has a narrow opening at the top of tube, which limits thedirection of the bubbles to a single path directly above the tube. As aresult, bubbles emitted from the tube are even less likely to bedispersed evenly around the pan.

Still further, Steinhauser fails to disclose any creative interactionwith the bubble sculptures creating by the device. The Steinhauserdevice appears to be intended for use solely as an advertising devicethat is to be viewed, rather than interacted or “played” with.

In view of the foregoing, it is believed that greater entertainment andaesthetic value could be achieved in a soap bubble fountain than isachieved by prior art devices.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Broadlydefined, the present invention according to one aspect is a soap bubblefountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a soap and watermixture; a tubular column extending upward from the soap holder, whereinan upper end of the tubular column is closed by a top cover, and whereinone or more bubble openings, each penetrating a side wall of the upperend of the tubular column, are arranged around the periphery; a catchbasin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular column; and an airsource arranged to inject air into the soap and water mixture, therebycreating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced through thebubble openings in the upper end of the tubular column and aresubsequently collected in the catch basin.

In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump. In furtherfeatures, the air pump is battery-operated; and the air pump is operatedby an electrical motor.

In another feature of this aspect, the soap bubble fountain furtherincludes one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in thecollected bubbles. In further features, each light source includes alight emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are configured to emanate from abase portion of the bubble fountain; and the LEDs are arranged generallybeneath the tubular column.

In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured tohave the shape of a bottle.

In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured tohave the shape of a dragon.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is asoap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain afirst portion of a soap and water mixture; a tubular column extendingupward from the soap holder, wherein a lower end of the tubular columnis adapted to contain a second portion of the soap and water mixture,and wherein the lower end of the tubular column is in fluidcommunication with, but partitioned from, a bottom of the soap holder; acatch basin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular column; and anair source arranged to inject air into the second portion of the soapand water mixture, contained in the lower end of the tubular column,thereby creating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced outof an upper end of the tubular column and are subsequently collected inthe catch basin.

In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump. In furtherfeatures, the air pump is battery-operated; and the air pump is operatedby an electrical motor.

In another feature of this aspect, the soap bubble fountain furtherincludes one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in thecollected bubbles. In further features, each light source includes alight emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are configured to emanate from abase portion of the bubble fountain; and the LEDs are arranged generallybeneath the tubular column.

In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured tohave the shape of a bottle.

In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured tohave the shape of a dragon.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is asoap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a soapand water mixture; a tubular column having a non-uniform width along thelength thereof extending upward from the soap holder, wherein an upperend of the tubular column is open to provide a bubble opening; a catchbasin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular column; and an airsource arranged to inject air into the soap and water mixture, therebycreating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced through thebubble opening in the upper end of the tubular column and aresubsequently collected in the catch basin.

In a feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain further includes one ormore light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collectedbubbles.

In another feature of this aspect, the tubular column is flared at theupper end thereof.

In another feature of this aspect, the tubular column has a bulbousportion at the upper end thereof.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is asoap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a soapand water mixture; a plurality of tubular columns extending upward fromthe soap holder, wherein an upper end of each of the tubular columns isopen to provide a bubble opening corresponding to each tubular column; acatch basin disposed at a lower portion of the tubular columns; and anair source arranged to inject air into the soap and water mixture,thereby creating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are distributedamong and forced through the bubble openings corresponding to theplurality of tubular columns and are subsequently collected in the catchbasin.

In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump. In furtherfeatures, the air pump is battery-operated; the air pump is operated byan electrical motor; and the air pump is a double-diaphragm pump.

In another feature of this aspect, the soap bubble fountain furtherincludes one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in thecollected bubbles. In further features, each light source includes alight emitting diode (LED); the LEDs are configured to emanate from abase portion of the bubble fountain; and the LEDs are arranged generallybeneath the plurality of tubular columns.

In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columnsis flared at the upper end thereof.

In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columnshas a non-vertical orientation. In a further feature, each of theplurality of tubular columns has a different tilt angle.

In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columnshas a non-uniform width.

In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columnshas a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof.

In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured tohave the shape of a bottle.

In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured tohave the shape of a dragon.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is asoap bubble fountain, including: a soap holder adapted to contain a soapand water mixture; at least one tubular column extending upward from thesoap holder, wherein at least one bubble opening is arranged at an upperend of the at least one tubular column; a catch basin disposed at alower portion of the at least one tubular column; a plurality of tubes,each emptying directly into an interior of at least one tubular columnat the bottom thereof, and an air source arranged to inject air into thesoap and water mixture by distributing the air through the plurality oftubes and into the interior of the at least one tubular column, therebycreating soap bubbles; wherein the soap bubbles are forced through theat least one bubble opening and are subsequently collected in the catchbasin.

In a feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column is aplurality of tubular columns, and each tube empties directly into aninterior of a respective tubular column. In further features, the airsource is an air pump; the air pump is a double-diaphragm pump; thedouble-diaphragm pump has two pump assemblies, and each side isconnected to a respective one of the plurality of tubes; each side ofthe pump assemblies is connected to its respective tube via an inlethaving an inlet port and two outlet ports; each tube is an invertedJ-tube; and the plurality of tubular columns includes four tubularcolumns, and each pump assembly is fluidly connected to two of the fourtubular columns.

In another feature of this aspect, each tube is an inverted J-tube.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is amethod of interacting with a soap bubble fountain, having at least onetubular column extending above a catch basin and provided with asculpting tool, including the steps of: generating soap bubbles with thesoap bubble fountain; actuating an air source to force the bubbles froman upper end of the at least one tubular column; repeating the previoustwo steps at least until a bubble sculpture is formed between the upperend of the at least one tubular column and the catch basin; andsculpting the bubble sculpture using the sculpting tool.

In a feature of this aspect, the air source is an air pump. In furtherfeatures, the air pump is battery-operated; the air pump is operated byan electrical motor; and the air pump is a double-diaphragm pump.

In another feature of this aspect, the method further includes actuatingone or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in the collectedbubbles. In further features, each light source includes a lightemitting diode (LED); the LEDs are configured to emanate from a baseportion of the bubble fountain; and the LEDs are arranged generallybeneath the tubular column.

In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column isflared at the upper end thereof.

In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column has anon-vertical orientation.

In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column has anon-uniform width.

In another feature of this aspect, the at least one tubular column has abulbous portion at the upper end thereof.

In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured tohave the shape of a bottle.

In another feature of this aspect, the bubble fountain is configured tohave the shape of a dragon.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is amethod of interacting with a soap bubble fountain, having a plurality oftubular columns extending above a catch basin in a non-verticalorientation and provided with a sculpting tool, including the steps of:generating soap bubbles with the soap bubble fountain; actuating an airsource to force the bubbles from an upper end of the at least onetubular column; repeating the previous two steps at least until a bubblesculpture is formed between the upper end of the at least one tubularcolumn and the catch basin; sculpting the bubble sculpture using thesculpting tool; and actuating one or more light sources to provide alighting effect in the bubble sculpture.

In a feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columns isflared at the upper end thereof.

In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the tubular columnshas a bulbous portion at the upper end thereof.

In another feature of this aspect, each of the plurality of tubularcolumns has a different tilt angle.

In another feature of this aspect, soap bubbles are distributed amongthe plurality of tubular columns.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various possible combinations of such aspects andfeatures, as well as aspects and features otherwise disclosed herein.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description withreference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the bubble fountain ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of an upper portion of thebubble fountain of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A-4D are front perspective views of the bubble fountain of FIG.1, shown in various stages of operation;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a lower portion ofthe bubble fountain of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordancewith another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordancewith another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordancewith another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain in accordancewith another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are front perspective views of a bubble fountain inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the bubble fountain of FIGS. 10Aand 10B;

FIG. 12 is a left side elevational view of the bubble fountain of FIGS.10A and 10B;

FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view of the bubble fountain of FIGS.10A and 10B;

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the bubble fountain of FIGS. 10Aand 10B;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the bubble fountain of FIGS. 10A and 10B;

FIG. 16A is a bottom plan view of the bubble fountain of FIGS. 10A and10B;

FIG. 16B is a sectional bottom plan view of the bubble fountain of FIGS.10A and 10B, shown with the base cover removed;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are partial cross-sectional front views of the bubblefountain of FIG. 13, taken along line 17-17;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are partial cross-sectional side views of the bubblefountain of FIG. 12, taken along line 18-18;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are partial cross-sectional side views of the bubblefountain of FIG. 12, taken along line 19-19;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are cross-sectional top view of the bubble fountain ofFIG. 13, taken along line 20-20;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are cross-sectional top views of the bubble fountainof FIG. 13, taken along line 21-21;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are bottom orthogonal views of the catch basin andbase of the bubble fountain of FIGS. 10A and 10B;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are front perspective views of a bubble fountain inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of bubble fountain in accordancewith another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 26-27 are front perspective views of a bubble fountain inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosedby the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likecomponents throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention are next described. The following description ofthe preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a front perspective view and an exploded frontperspective view, respectively, of a bubble fountain 10 in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein,the bubble fountain 10 includes a base 12, a soap holder 14, a pump 16,a tubular column 18 and a catch basin 20. The tubular column 18 isseated in the bottom of the soap holder 14, which is in turn disposedwithin, or optionally forms a part of, the base 12, and extends upwardthrough a center opening 21 in the catch basin 20.

The pump 16 is preferably also disposed within the base 12 and has afluid outlet that is connected to the interior of the soap holder 14 viaa flexible tube 26 or the like, thereby permitting air to be pumped intothe soap holder 14. The pump 16 and soap holder 14 may be supportedwithin the base 12 by a base cover 28 that is preferably removable inorder to provide access to the pump 16 or other components disposedtherein. In at least some embodiments, the pump 16 uses an electricalmotor that may be plugged into a standard wall outlet, but otherembodiments may utilize battery- or hand-operated pumps.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of an upper portion of thebubble fountain 10 of FIG. 1. As shown therein, the upper end of thetubular column 18 is closed by a top cover 22 and includes a pluralityof bubble openings 24 arranged around its periphery. The openings 24,which may be of any desired size, shape and arrangement, each penetratethe side walls of upper end of the column 18 and are provided to allowbubbles to escape therethrough as described hereinbelow.

In use, the soap holder 14 is partially filled with a soap and watermixture that is formulated to produce soap bubbles when air is pumpedinto the holder 14. A number of conventional formulations, typicallyincluding some mixture of water and glycerin, are available for thispurpose.

With the soap and water mixture in place, the pump 16 is activated,thereby causing the mixture to be infused with air, creating soapbubbles. With space limited between the top of the soap holder 14 andthe walls of the tubular column 18, the soap bubbles are forced up intothe column 18.

FIGS. 4A-4D are front perspective views of the bubble fountain 10 ofFIG. 1, shown in various stages of operation. As more and more bubblesare created, they finally reach the top of the column 18. The top cover22 forces the bubbles to begin escaping the column 18 via the bubbleopenings 24 around the periphery thereof, as shown in FIG. 4A. Becausebubbles escape through the sides of the column 18, rather than an openend at the top, the bubbles are less likely to stack up on themselveswherein their own weight could cause them to pop or to compress into asoapy foam rather than a more aesthetically-pleasing collection oflarger bubbles. Further, the closed end (top cover 22) improves thedistribution of bubbles around the top of the column 18 by forcingbubbles out on all sides of the column 18. Alternatively, the bubblescould be forced to one side or another through the use of a more limitedset of openings 24, i.e., through the use of openings limited indistribution to a portion of the periphery of the column 18, rather thandistributed around the entire periphery. Such a bubble distributionwould be more difficult to achieve with an open ended-column.

As still more bubbles are created and are forced through the openings24, the bubbles begin to take on the form of a bubble sculpture 40, asshown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. More particularly, the bubbles slowly inchdown the outside of the column 18, as shown in FIG. 4B, until they reachthe catch basin 20, as shown in FIG. 4C. Continued formation of thebubble sculpture 40 thereafter may depend on the consistency of theselected soap and water mixture as well as on environmental conditionsduring operation of the fountain 10. Some number of bubbles in thesculpture 40, particularly at the bottom thereof, will pop under theweight of the bubbles above and as environmental factors affect thesurface tension thereof, and the liquid released thereby will becollected in the catch basin 20 and will flow toward the center, whereit passes through to the soap holder 14 beneath. The remaining bubblesculpture 40, however, may bulge at the bottom, the middle, or the top,creating an ongoing and ever-changing variety of visually pleasingshapes and forms. These shapes may be further varied manually, byblowing, touching or otherwise manipulating portions of the sculpture40, such as is shown in FIG. 4D. Although not shown, various tools, suchas wands and scrapers having various contours, may be provided for thispurpose.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a lower portion ofthe bubble fountain 10 of FIG. 1, illustrating the circulation of thesoap and water mixture through the fountain 10. As shown therein,bubbles from the bubble sculpture 40 pop and the liquid created therebycollects in the catch basin 20. The liquid flows to the center of thecatch basin 20 and drains through one or more openings 42 into the soapholder 14 below. The openings 42 may comprise spaces between the edgesof the center opening 21 in the catch basin 20 and the outer surfaces ofthe column 18, or they may be dedicated perforations or other openings(not shown) that are spaced apart a small distance from the centeropening 21 and the column 18 extending therethrough. In the soap holder14, the collected bubble liquid mixes with the soap and water alreadythere. The combined mixture enters the bottom of the tubular column 18,where air from the pump 16 once again causes the creation of bubbles asdescribed previously. The flow of liquid into the column 18 may beaccomplished via openings (not shown) in the column 18, or through a gap30 at the bottom of the column 18 as shown in FIG. 5.

A useful aspect of the illustrated bubble creation process is itsimproved efficiency in producing bubbles. More particularly, creatingbubbles directly in the tubular column 18 through the injection of airinto the soap and water mixture therein is believed to be more efficientthan creating the bubbles first in the soap holder 14 and then forcingthem into the column 18. One reason for this is that the bubbles createdin the tubular column 18 are protected by the walls of the column 18from being burst prematurely by liquid dripping back into the soapholder 14, and thus relatively larger bubbles, rather than a mix ofsmaller bubbles perhaps better characterized as foam or froth, may becreated. Further, a good supply of liquid, rather than theaforementioned foam or forth, may be generated in the soap holder 14 andmaintained in the bottom of the soap holder 14 and column 18 by thenatural flow of liquid from burst soap bubbles into the soap holder 14and the natural settling effect of that liquid.

Further interest may be created by providing one or more light sources(not shown) to provide various lighting effects in the bubble sculpture40. Such light sources may be arranged to appear to emanate from withinthe bubble sculpture 40 or may be arranged behind the bubble sculpture40 as the sculpture is seen by a viewer. Any conventional light sourceof any color may be used, though in at least some embodiments it may benecessary to protect the light source from the soap bubbles themselves.

The bubble fountain 10 may be configured to have any of a variety ofdifferent shapes and sizes. In one contemplated embodiment, the bubblefountain 10 may be configured to have the general shape of a champagneor wine bottle, whereby bubbles may be emitted, for example, from themouth of the bottle. In another contemplated embodiment, the bubblefountain 10 may be configured to have the general shape of a creaturesuch as a dragon, whereby bubbles may be emitted from the mouth ornostrils of the dragon. It can therefore be appreciated by the OrdinaryArtisan that the bubble fountain 10 of the present invention may beimplemented across a wide variety of different shapes and sizes withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 110 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.As shown therein, the bubble fountain 110 has a tubular column 118 thatis flared at the upper end thereof. Additionally, the upper end of thetubular column 118 is open to provide a bubble opening 146 at the top ofthe bubble fountain 110. Bubbles created by the bubble fountain 110eventually reach the top of the tubular column 118 and escape via thebubble opening 146. The flared shape of the bubble opening 146 providesa broad range of direction to the bubbles as they are emitted from thetubular column 118, thereby permitting the bubbles to be distributedmore evenly to the periphery of the bubble fountain 110. In this regard,the flared shape of the bubble opening 146 helps circumvent the concernsassociated with known bubble fountains with a narrow opening. Inparticular, the flared shape of the bubble opening 146 helps to avoidthe problem of bubbles stacking on top of a narrow opening in thetubular column.

As further shown in FIG. 6, a base 112 of the bubble fountain 110 may beconfigured to have a catch basin 120 to collect bubbles emitted from thetubular column 118. The catch basin 120 may be formed integrally withthe base 112, as shown in FIG. 6, or the catch basin 120 and the base112 may be formed as separate components.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 210 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.As shown therein, the bubble fountain 210 may be configured to have oneor more lights 244 to provide the bubble fountain 210 with variouslighting effects in a bubble sculpture created by the bubble fountain210. The lights 244 may be configured in any manner that might bepreferred and may be powered by batteries or an electrical source (notshown). As shown in FIG. 7, the lights 244 are configured to emanatefrom the base 212 of the bubble fountain 210. Additionally, the lights244 may be arranged in any manner that might be preferred. As shown inFIG. 7, the lights 244 are arranged to be relatively evenly spaced alongthe upper portion of the base 212 to direct lighting effects upwardtoward a bubble sculpture. Any type of light source may be utilized inconnection with the lights 244. In at least one embodiment, the lightsource corresponding to each light 244 is a light emitting diode (LED).

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 310 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.As shown therein, the bubble fountain 310 may be configured to have anoffset appearance. In particular, a catch basin 320 may be slightlytilted so as to appear offset with respect to a base 312 and a tubularcolumn 318. The tilted configuration of the catch basin 320 may alsoprovide a different appearance in a bubble sculpture created by thebubble fountain 310. As further shown in FIG. 8, the bubble opening 346of the tubular column 318 may be angled rather than straight. In thisregard, bubbles escaping via the bubble opening 346 may have a naturaltendency to collect at one side of the catch basin 320. The angle of thebubble opening 346 may be varied across a range of possible angles inorder to adjust the likelihood of bubbles collecting at one side of thecatch basin 320. The angled bubble opening 346 thereby facilitates thecreation of a bubble sculpture having a different appearance. The tiltedcatch basin 320 may be oriented with its higher side generally beneaththe angled lower edge of the bubble opening 346, thereby moreeffectively collecting the larger amount of bubbles that may accumulateon that side.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 410 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.As shown therein, the bubble fountain 410 may be composed of a generallytransparent material.

FIGS. 10A-22B set forth a bubble fountain 510 in accordance with anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, thebubble fountain 510 includes a base 512, a soap holder 514, a pump 516,a plurality of tubular columns 518 and a catch basin 520. As perhapsbest shown in FIGS. 10A-15, the bubble fountain 510 may be configured tohave a plurality of tubular columns 518 extending upward and configuredto emit bubbles created by the bubble fountain 510. The tubular columns518 are each seated in a socket 519 (perhaps best shown in FIGS. 22A and22B) in the bottom of the base 512.

The upper end of each tubular column 518 includes a bubble opening 546at the top of the bubble fountain 510. In this regard, bubbles createdby the bubble fountain 510 eventually reach the top of the tubularcolumns 518 and escape via the bubble openings 546. Additionally, eachof the tubular columns 518 may be arranged in a non-vertical ornon-linear orientation so as to permit the bubbles emitting therefrom tobe projected in a desired direction. In this regard, non-verticalorientation of the tubular columns 518 may provide enhanced distributionof bubbles to the periphery of the bubble fountain 510. As shown inFIGS. 10A-15, each of the tubular columns 518 is oriented in a directionsuch that the bubble openings 546 emit bubbles away from the center ofthe bubble fountain 510. Arrangement of the tubular columns 518 in thisnon-vertical orientation may facilitate a relatively even distributionof bubbles.

As further shown in FIGS. 10A-15, each of the tubular columns 518 may beconfigured to have a bulbous portion 550 at the upper end thereofadjacent the bubble opening 546. Bubbles may collect in the bulbousportion 550 of the tubular columns 518 prior to escaping from the bubblefountain 510. In particular, the bubble opening 546 may be smaller thanthe cross-section of the bulbous portion 550 of each tubular column 518.As bubbles are collected in the bulbous portion 550 and, subsequently,are forced through the smaller bubble opening 546, bubbles are emittedfrom the tubular columns 518 with greater force. With greater force, thebubbles emitted from the tubular columns 518 may be projected a slightlygreater distance from the tubular columns 518, thereby enhancing thedistribution of the bubbles.

As still further shown in FIGS. 10A-15, a catch basin 520 may beslightly offset with respect to a base 512 and the tubular columns 518.The tilted configuration of the catch basin 520 may also provide adifferent appearance in a bubble sculpture (not shown) created by thebubble fountain 510. The catch basin 520 may be formed integrally withthe base 512, or the catch basin 520 and the base 512 may be formed asseparate components. The bottom of the base 512 may be covered by a basecover 528, shown for example in FIG. 16A, that is preferably removablein order to provide access to the pump 516 or other components disposedtherein.

As shown in FIGS. 16B-21B, the pump 516 is preferably a double-diaphragmpump that is disposed within the base 512 and is protected from theinterior of the catch basin 520 by a seal panel 558. In this regard,each portion of the double-diaphragm pump 516 may function independentlyof the other. Moreover, each portion of the double-diaphragm pump 516may be configured to correspond with different tubular columns 518 ofthe bubble fountain 510.

The pump 516 includes a field coil 564 that uses AC power to charges anddischarge, thereby causing magnets 562, each mounted at the end of aflexible arm 560, to vibrate back and forth. The vibration is translatedfrom the magnets 562 through the flexible arms 560 to a pair ofdiaphragms 566, attached to the arms 560 via a fitting. Each diaphragm560 thus vibrates, causing air to be pumped from a respective chamber567 through a section of flexible tubing (not shown) to an inlet 559attached to or molded in the bottom of the seal panel 558. Inparticular, in at least one embodiment, the seal panel 558 may be moldedfrom ABS plastic and the inlet 559 may be attached to the seal panel 558by ABS bonding. Each inlet includes one inlet port and two outlet ports,with each outlet port extending upward into the bottom of a respectivesocket 519 and thus into the bottom of a respective tubular column 518.Each outlet port is connected to its inlet port by a channel. Becausethere are two inlets, there are thus a total of four outlet ports, onein the bottom of each tubular column.

In at least some embodiments, the pump 516 uses an electrical motor thatmay be plugged into a standard wall outlet, but other embodiments mayutilize battery- or hand-operated pumps.

The inlet 559 is in fluid connection with an inverted J-shaped tube 568that empties into the bottom of the soap holder 514 from the short arm570 thereof, perhaps best seen in FIGS. 19A and 19B. The bent portion572 of the J-shaped tube 568 is configured to remain above the surfaceof the liquid. In this regard, the J-shaped tube 568 acts as a stop toprevent liquid from re-entering the pump 516.

The soap holder 514 is a chamber formed by interior surfaces of theupper portion of the base 512 (perhaps best seen in FIGS. 22A and 22B)and the top surface of the seal panel 558. A pair of notches 523 nearthe bottom of each of the sockets 519 allows fluid in the soap holder514 to flow into the bottom of each socket 519 and thus the bottom ofeach tubular column 518. Each tubular column 518 rests on a ledge, seenin FIGS. 22A and 22B, around the periphery of each socket 519, thusseparating the bottom of each tubular column 518 from the top surface ofthe seal panel 558. The soap-and-water mixture flows from the interiorof the catch basin 520 into the soap holder 514 through a slot 542 inthe edge thereof. It will be appreciated that additional slots or otheropenings (not illustrated) may likewise or alternatively be provided forthis purpose.

In at least some embodiments, one or more lights 536 such as lightemitting diodes (LEDs) or the like may be provided. In a preferredarrangement, one LED 536 is located in the bottom of each socket 519 soas to light each tubular column 518 from the inside. If desired, theLEDs 536 may be of a type whose color varies periodically, thusproviding an enhanced lighting effect.

One opening 580 in the side of the base 512 may be provided for acontrol switch (not shown). Another opening 582 in the bottom rim of thebase 512 may be provided for a power cord (not shown).

FIGS. 23 and 24 are front perspective views of a bubble fountain 610 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.As shown therein, the bubble fountain 610 has a plurality of tubularcolumns 618 extending upward and configured to emit bubbles created bythe bubble fountain 610. The tubular columns 618 may be configured tohave any particular shape that might be desired. In particular, as shownin FIGS. 23-24, each tubular column 618 may be configured to have anincreasing width along the length thereof that opens at a correspondingbubble opening 646 at the top thereof. Additionally, each of the tubularcolumns 618 may be arranged in a non-vertical orientation so as toenhance the distribution of bubbles from the bubble fountain 610.Further still, any quantity of tubular columns may be arranged todistribute bubbles, as might be preferred. As shown in FIGS. 23-24, fourtubular columns 618 are arranged.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a bubble fountain 710 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.As shown therein, the bubble fountain 710 has a plurality of tubularcolumns 718 extending upward and configured to emit bubbles created bythe bubble fountain 710. The upper end of each tubular column 718 isopen to provide bubble openings 746 at the top of the bubble fountain710. In this regard, bubbles created by the bubble fountain 710eventually reach the top of the tubular columns 718 and escape via thebubble openings 746. Additionally, each of the tubular columns 718 maybe arranged in a non-vertical orientation so as to permit the bubblesemitting therefrom to be projected in a desired direction. Orientationof the individual tubular columns 718 may vary, and individual columnsof the bubble fountain 710 may be arranged to have varied angles oforientation or tilt. Selection of a particular orientation may assist indistributing bubbles in a particular pattern that might be preferred. Asshown in FIG. 25, each of the tubular columns 718 is arranged to have adifferent orientation or tilt.

As further shown in FIG. 25, each of the tubular columns 718 may beconfigured to have a bulbous portion 750 at the upper end thereofadjacent the bubble opening 746. Bubbles may collect in the bulbousportion 750 of the tubular columns 718 prior to escaping from the bubblefountain 710. In particular, the bubble opening 746 may be smallerrelative to the bulbous portion 750 of each tubular column 718. Asbubbles are collected in the bulbous portion and, subsequently, areforced through the smaller bubble opening 746, bubbles are emitted fromthe tubular columns 718 with greater force. With greater force, thebubbles emitted from the tubular columns 718 may be projected a slightlygreater distance from the tubular columns 718, thereby enhancing thedistribution of the bubbles.

As still further shown in FIG. 25, the bubble fountain 710 may beconfigured to have one or more lights 744 to provide the bubble fountain710 with various lighting effects in a bubble sculpture created by thebubble fountain 710. The lights 744 may be configured in any manner thatmight be preferred and may be powered by batteries or an electricalsource (not shown). As shown in FIG. 25, the lights 744 are configuredto emanate from the base 712 of the bubble fountain 710. Additionally,the lights 744 may be arranged in any manner that might be preferred. Asshown in FIG. 25, the lights 744 are arranged to be relatively evenlyspaced along the upper portion of the base 712 to direct lightingeffects upward toward a bubble sculpture. Any type of light source maybe utilized in connection with the lights 744. In at least oneembodiment, the light source corresponding to each light 744 is a lightemitting diode (LED).

FIGS. 26 and 27 are front perspective views of a bubble fountain 810 inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.As shown therein, the bubble fountain 810 may be configured to have anoffset appearance. In particular, a catch basin 820 may be slightlytilted so as to appear offset with respect to a base 812 and a tubularcolumn 818. The tilted configuration of the catch basin 820 may alsoprovide a different appearance in a bubble sculpture created by thebubble fountain 810.

In accordance with each of the foregoing embodiments, it is furthercontemplated that an end cap (not shown) may provided at the upper endof one or more of the tubular columns18,118,218,318,418,518,618,718,818. In at least some embodiments, theend caps are removable and are fitted to attach to the tubular columns.Either type of end cap may further shift or shape the bubbles emittedfrom the bubble fountain 10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810. Inparticular, it is contemplated that end caps may have varyingconfigurations or varying arrangements of holes so as to funnel, fan orotherwise move the emitted bubbles in a desired manner. As can beappreciated by the Ordinary Artisan, end caps fitted at one or more ofthe tubular columns 18,118,218,318,418,518,618,718,818 may beinterchangeable such that a user of the bubble fountain may select andfit a particular end cap in order to alter the resulting bubblesculpture.

Based on the foregoing information, it is readily understood by thosepersons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible ofbroad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of thepresent invention other than those specifically described herein, aswell as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements,will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present inventionand the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from thesubstance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understoodthat this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the presentinvention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full andenabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is notintended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwiseexclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

1. A soap bubble fountain, comprising: (a) a soap holder adapted tocontain a soap and water mixture; (b) a tubular column extending upwardfrom the soap holder, wherein an upper end of the tubular column isclosed by a top cover, and wherein one or more bubble openings, eachpenetrating a side wall of the upper end of the tubular column, arearranged around the periphery; (c) a catch basin disposed at a lowerportion of the tubular column; and (d) an air source arranged to injectair into the soap and water mixture, thereby creating soap bubbles; (e)wherein the soap bubbles are forced through the bubble openings in theupper end of the tubular column and are subsequently collected in thecatch basin.
 2. The soap bubble fountain of claim 1, wherein the airsource is an air pump.
 3. The soap bubble fountain of claim 2, whereinthe air pump is battery-operated.
 4. The soap bubble fountain of claim2, wherein the air pump is operated by an electrical motor.
 5. The soapbubble fountain of claim 1, further comprising one or more light sourcesto provide a lighting effect in the collected bubbles.
 6. The soapbubble fountain of claim 5, wherein each light source includes a lightemitting diode (LED).
 7. The soap bubble fountain of claim 6, whereinthe LEDs are configured to emanate from a base portion of the bubblefountain.
 8. The soap bubble fountain of claim 6, wherein the LEDs arearranged generally beneath the tubular column.
 9. The soap bubblefountain of claim 1, wherein the bubble fountain is configured to havethe shape of a bottle.
 10. The soap bubble fountain of claim 1, whereinthe bubble fountain is configured to have the shape of a dragon.
 11. Asoap bubble fountain, comprising: (a) a soap holder adapted to contain afirst portion of a soap and water mixture; (b) a tubular columnextending upward from the soap holder, wherein a lower end of thetubular column is adapted to contain a second portion of the soap andwater mixture, and wherein the lower end of the tubular column is influid communication with, but partitioned from, a bottom of the soapholder; (c) a catch basin disposed at a lower portion of the tubularcolumn; and (d) an air source arranged to inject air into the secondportion of the soap and water mixture, contained in the lower end of thetubular column, thereby creating soap bubbles; (e) wherein the soapbubbles are forced out of an upper end of the tubular column and aresubsequently collected in the catch basin.
 12. The soap bubble fountainof claim 11, wherein the air source is an air pump.
 13. The soap bubblefountain of claim 12, wherein the air pump is battery-operated.
 14. Thesoap bubble fountain of claim 12, wherein the air pump is operated by anelectrical motor.
 15. The soap bubble fountain of claim 11, furthercomprising one or more light sources to provide a lighting effect in thecollected bubbles.
 16. The soap bubble fountain of claim 15, whereineach light source includes a light emitting diode (LED).
 17. The soapbubble fountain of claim 16, wherein the LEDs are configured to emanatefrom a base portion of the bubble fountain.
 18. The soap bubble fountainof claim 16, wherein the LEDs are arranged generally beneath the tubularcolumn.
 19. The soap bubble fountain of claim 11, wherein the bubblefountain is configured to have the shape of a bottle.
 20. The soapbubble fountain of claim 11, wherein the bubble fountain is configuredto have the shape of a dragon.
 21. A soap bubble fountain, comprising:(a) a soap holder adapted to contain a soap and water mixture; (b) atubular column having a non-uniform width along the length thereofextending upward from the soap holder, wherein an upper end of thetubular column is open to provide a bubble opening; (c) a catch basindisposed at a lower portion of the tubular column; and (d) an air sourcearranged to inject air into the soap and water mixture, thereby creatingsoap bubbles; (e) wherein the soap bubbles are forced through the bubbleopening in the upper end of the tubular column and are subsequentlycollected in the catch basin.
 22. The soap bubble fountain of claim 21,further comprising one or more light sources to provide a lightingeffect in the collected bubbles.
 23. The soap bubble fountain of claim21, wherein the tubular column is flared at the upper end thereof. 24.The soap bubble fountain of claim 21, wherein the tubular column has abulbous portion at the upper end thereof.